If I had a choice, I would live in a classroom. Not just for a day or two, but forever. No, I wouldn’t be taking exams, but I would be listening to lectures and learning new things. Whether I have to implement it or not, I just want to learn.
But right now being in a classroom isn't possible. I am a new mother to a darling seven-month-old boy. I know many mothers who are living the career and parenthood dream at the same time-- kudos to them! But I cannot do two things at a time, even though my husband disagrees on that front.
Don’t take me wrong, I never wanted to be a career woman with a big fat paycheck. I always knew I wanted to be involved in Christian ministry some way or the other. The only dream I did have though, was to go to seminary. To learn, to raise my kids there in the community and to have fellowship with the students there-- that was my dream.
After working for a prestigious firm for three years, I finally took the plunge the January before last and applied to Moody Bible Institute. Applications were sent, references were made, transcripts had reached them and I was working on getting a scholarship and one fine morning, I found out that I had a bun in my oven! Just when I was about to take off and live my dream, another dream happened.
The dreams of Moody and Chicago were gone with the wind. The news of pregnancy was not a complete surprise, though I had been hoping I wouldn’t get pregnant up until I will have finished my studies. Up until then I had been battling these two options in my mind. Seminary or baby. Baby or seminary. All along I was praying for God’s will. Everything seemed to be pointing towards seminary and that’s why I went ahead and dared to dream.
God knew both my dreams as I prayed for His will in my life! The dream of being an young(ish) mother and the dream of being in a seminary. And God answered one of those prayers, and boy oh boy, am I glad for the answer. I would give up anything in this entire world for the joy of being the mother to my baby. Are there challenges? Yes. There are times when I wish babies came with cognitive and speech skills and there are times when I just want to sleep without getting disturbed. But none of that makes it any less exciting!
After one and a half years of giving up my job to go to seminary I am finally in one as we recently moved south so my husband could attend, and I love being here. I love all the new things I am learning. I love the community. I love raising my child here. I love everything about the place God has brought us. I also love praying for my husband who is in the class studying while I am at the apartment learning to be a mother. Ironically, a husband who hates everything about a classroom is the one studying and I get to read and learn from all his books and assignments while not taking an exam.
As I look at all God has done, I can’t help but remember the verse, “And we know that for those who Love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. “ - Romans 8:28
God’s will was to give me both my dreams, just not the way I wanted it! I did ask for God’s will, didn’t I? And now I couldn't be happier!
Photo Credit: GreyLight Images via Flickr
Thank you for sharing this Susan . I am so encouraged by your life and by this post 🙂
Thanks Priya. You are so kind!
Love this Su!!
Thanks Priyanka! 🙂
This is truly a motivational write-up for all those women who have kicked off their fantasized careers in order to be in the dream world of Motherhood.Loved reading it,just pepped up my mood and gave me enough inspiration..would like to have more of such amazing anecdotes 🙂
So glad to hear it, Megha! 🙂
Hi Susan, reading your article brought a big smile on my face as this was my story 3 years back. His plans are perfect & He is a prayer answering God. Enjoy this time????
Thanks Janice. Can't agree more. Amen!
Su!!! That was such a great read:)
Thanks Ges! 🙂
I am so encouraged... Thanks for sharing.. 🙂 🙂
I am so glad this post encouraged you Mercy. Thanks for taking the time out to comment. God bless you!
I was hoping that was your picture, Susan! I love The Robe and the other book titles sound SO interesting! (Can you tell I love books and learning too, hmm?)